Taurus (20 April – 20 May)
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes this month and for whatever reason, it’s important to keep certain matters private or confidential.
As the month begins, the Sun is in Aries and the most hidden sector of your chart as is Mercury, the planet of communication.
Often when you have key planets in this sector of your chart it’s important to relax and recuperate, take time out and focus on your inner world.
Listen carefully to your intuition because it can help guide you in the month ahead and write down your dreams. Your unconscious mind has plenty to reveal and there will be insights which can be extremely helpful as you navigate your way forward in the month ahead.
The 7th-9th would be a perfect time to go on retreat, be quiet, listen to your inner voice. The New Moon in Aries takes place on the 7th, perfect for a ritual or spiritual release. Clear away the old to make room for the new, an ideal excuse for some spring cleaning perhaps or a detox or a chance to declutter your mind/office/surroundings.
Your psyche and the hidden aspects of your character require your attention so explore life on a deep level, whether you take a course, read a book or spend some time listening to what life is telling you.
Yet it’s not all behind the scenes activity this month even though you are likely to be involved in research as this is an important period of preparation. On the 5th talk planet Mercury enters your sign of Taurus and this is the start of your fact-finding mission. Ask the right questions now and find out what you need to know in order to make progress in the next stage in your life.
There is a sense of urgency to this mission because Mercury turns retrograde at the end of the month on the 28th and Mercury remains on go slow in Taurus until May 22nd. Therefore, the planet which rules communication and the mind will be residing in your sign for an unusually long period of time.
Which means the focus is on you and your next steps. There will be times this month when you feel unsure of yourself, less confident than usual, as if you’re in the dark and stepping into the unknown. Yet trust that life has your back and understand that knowledge is your friend.
It’s really important for you to be well-informed now, wherever in life you’re on the verge of a major change, a competition or battle. This is why Mercury is in your sign for so long. It’s about gathering knowledge and having the information you need at your fingertips.
Two other important planets turn retrograde this month and they might give you a hint as to which areas of your life are under the cosmic microscope. These two planets are Mars (action) and Pluto (transformation) and they both turn retrograde mid-April; Mars on the 17th and Pluto on the 18th.
When planets turn retrograde, they’re changing direction in the zodiac and moving from forward to reverse motion. They’re especially intense when they’re about to turn and then their energy is weakened until they pick up speed once again.
Pluto turns retrograde in your fellow earth sign Capricorn and Capricorn rules travel, higher education, the law, publishing and your belief system. This is where you need to think carefully and ensure you have all the ammunition you need to focus in on what’s most important to you.
If there’s something really pressing, something you want to work in your favour, this is when you’ll feel it the most. You might have to take a leap of faith but if you want something badly, dig a little deeper and be committed in your endeavours.
The one stumbling block for you could be finances because Mars turns retrograde in Sagittarius, the sign which rules joint finances and shared resources in your chart. This is about money and financial transactions and it covers mortgages, taxes, debts and savings, inheritances, investments, child support, benefits; in fact, all money which is in the hands of another person.
If any of these areas are key for you, try to finalise matters before the 17th. When Mars turns retrograde, you might discover your plans are halted and your best approach is slowly, slowly. Mars is a speedy planet but on go slow its turned inward, it drags its heels during the retrograde phase and this can be frustrating. If you’re not battling a third party, you can end up fighting yourself.
Find a constructive outlet for any anger or frustration and physical activities are ideal. Risky behaviour is out when Mars is on go slow and you need to carefully consider where your motivations lie. Sometimes energy can be blocked when Mars is retrograde and this can mean sexually, as Mars rules libido, or creatively.
Yet you’re nothing if not determined and sometimes when life doesn’t go according to plan, it just makes you want to try harder. On the 19th, the Sun enters your sign of Taurus and this is the push and drive you’re looking for. If your confidence is knocked early on in April, once the Sun lights up your sign, you’re back on top.
Love looks intriguing this month as your ruling planet Venus is in Aries from the 5th-30th so again there’s a hidden or private theme about your close liaisons. Plus Mars is your partner planet and Mars is in retreat from the 17th. So what does this mean? You can’t always be with the one you love perhaps or you have to proceed carefully in love?
The Full Moon on the 22nd cuts across the Taurus/Scorpio axis of your chart and this is when you see your situation clearly. It’s an emotional Full Moon but it’s a chance to confront any relationship concerns head on. If Mars, your partner planet, is lacking libido, that doesn’t mean you are. Focus in on your passion and let someone close know how you feel and what you want.